Candidate for
Board Member; John Swett Unified School District

I'd love to continue serving on the JSUSD governing board for the next four years, not only because I have a passion for education, but because this is an extremely exciting time for our district. Our board has recently hired an incredibly enthusiastic superintendent who, beginning December 1st, will strive to move this district forward in positive directions. With with the new administration, I look forward to better communication between all stakeholders (students, teachers, parents, administrators, other staff, and community members). And, of course, the upcoming rebuilding/renovation/restoration project of John Swett High School is one of the most positive developments, as related to facilities, since the building of Rodeo Hills Elementary School several years ago.

My vision for our District during the next two to three years includes the renovation and rebuilding of John Swett High School. I completely support our local bond proposal, Measure A. Without it, we have enough money to complete some repairs, but most of them will not be visible to our students or communities. With the passage of this bond, we will receive forty million dollars worth of improvements for an investment of $20 million. We will make some much-needed upgrades to our high school with the bond money, including a new library and media center, a new music and art building, a new gymnasium, and a new athletic complex which includes artificial turf fields for multi-sport use (football, baseball, softball and soccer). We will also have a new all-weather track, classrooms that meet current California state standards for classroom size and safety codes, and improved access for disabled students and their families. And, in addition to of all that, the District will be saving thousands of dollars every year due to improved energy efficiency. With this restoration and modernization project, our high school will be a first class, state of the art facility that will retain its unique historical ambience while providing our students and staff with a modern, energy-efficient, technologically enhanced, extremely safe learning, teaching, and working environment. In my view, John Swett High School is already a gem, but with the passage of Measure A, it will be buffed, polished, and displayed for all to admire.

For each of the next 10 years, as well as the years beyond, I see all of our schools as being healthy teaching environments where our children can learn safely and productively, where there is zero tolerance for drugs and violence, and where teachers are always supported in doing what they do best, which is educating our students. I see schools where every student will achieve increasing success in their learning, and where they will acquire the skills necessary to meet the challenges which lay ahead of them in their lives.

Our District, like most other districts in California, is suffering from the budget crisis, both State and Federal. Our governor has just signed the newest state budget proposal, which , even though it allots more money for education than last year's budget, includes a reduction of the cost-of-living adjustment. That will further tighten the vise on our District as we face increased costs for supplies, food, transportation, and employee health care costs, among other things. Our district is one of many that is "deficit spending"; that is, spending more money than it is bringing in. Another large problem in our district has been the lagging test scores, especially in some grade levels with specific groups of students. While there has recently been a dramatic improvement in some grades' scores, much work lays ahead of us. I believe, other than our budget problems, that is our biggest challenge as a district, and one I will continue to work on.

While no one individual can solve our budget crisis, I believe that on the local level we can have an impact. I have had eight years of experience on the JSUSD Governing Board, have studied our budget and come to some understanding on areas in which the District is overspending. I am determined to work to improve our budget efficiencies and accountability, and to provide our students with the greatest educational opportunities for each dollar we spend.

Next month, I will have served on the JSUSD Governing Board for eight years. As a school board member, I am part of a team who decides issues that affect the lives and well-being of more than 1700 students, as well as all district employees. I spend many hours preparing for each meeting, so I have knowledge of the issues and the agenda. I've learned to defend my position with facts, and to consider the facts, the rules, policies, and the law when making decisions. I listen to all input, listening open-mindedly when others express their (sometimes opposing) opinion, weigh the facts, and vote my conscience. I have always considered myself to be an independent thinker and have refused to be a "rubber stamp". I do not let pressure from others determine my vote. When I disagree with others, I attempt to see things from their perspective, and no matter how emotional the issue may be, I never let friendship leave my voice. I believe I serve for the right reasons, and govern for the common good.